An Isolated Displaced Fracture of the Coracoid Process Treated with Osteosynthesis—A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Coracoid process fractures are relatively rare and few cases have been reported in the orthopedic literature. In this article, we report the case of an active, thirty years old, male patient with isolated, displaced fracture of the coracoid process, associated with a blunt injury to the shoulder, during a motor vehicle accident. We describe the incidence, mechanism of injury, and surgical treatment. Although rare, a high index of suspicion, special radiographic views, can detect an isolated coracoid process. Knowledge of the associated injuries will help the clinician to order further imaging and treat them accordingly. We recommend that a displaced, isolated fracture of the coracoid be treated with open reduction and osteosynthesis, to achieve early use of the extremity, good radiological union and clinical function.